EIGHT-DIVISION world champion Manny Pacquiao ended his weeklong visit to the United Arab Emirates, which has been described as “most memorable for his ardent desire to fight in the UAE and for his extraordinary generosity.”
The Chief Sports Writer of the Gulf Times, Euan Reedie, quoted Pacquiao who said he would name his opponent for his next and most likely last bout in December—with Britain’s Amir Khan the leading contender.
“Pacquiao reiterated his keenness to fight in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which was endorsed by members of his entourage,” Reedie also said.
Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee Pacquiao, vice governor of Sarangani province, told Gulf News: “This is our first time here and we had a great time. Manny has held talks about fighting here and I think there is a realistic chance it could happen.”
Jinkee’s brother-in-law, Ed Palileo, reportedly agreed, saying that the boxing superstar had been offered “better compensation” to fight here than in the United States.
He also asked inquired about a suitable venue for the fight should it take place in the UAE.
Pacquiao was at the home of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to support Rahma, a new charitable cancer service in Abu Dhabi.
Gulf Times reported that Pacquiao “patiently signed autographs and posed for selfies with thousands of fans at the venue ahead of RahmaYAS, a charity walk and cycle around the F1 circuit.”
Pacquiao also presented the Rahma staff with a hugely generous $50,000 donation for the charity, which provides practical and psychological support for people diagnosed with cancer.
He and some 2,000 participants, who paid Dh50 each to take part, raised a total of Dh250,000 for the charity.
Praising Pacquiao’s charitable nature, his scuba-diving instructor Jong Jong said: “He’s nice, he’s good. He has a big heart. He’s a very generous person. He has a lot of love in his heart. He’s always giving money to people. He was in this place in Sarangani, he was helping a lot of people there in hospital. He gave 500,000 pesos (Dh38,946) for their hospital bills.”
Dr. Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi, chairman of the board of directors of Cancer Patient Care Society, said: “It was a fantastic day all round and we are delighted that so many people in the UAE came out to support us. We were especially delighted that Rahma’s patron, Manny Pacquiao, was here to take part in our first fundraiser. His presence was a huge draw, and his passion, determination, and healthy lifestyle were an inspiration to all those who took part today.”
Al Tareq Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Marina Circuit, added: “We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the people who made an effort to come to Yas Marina Circuit to support Rahma.”
The boxer arrived at Dubai Airport on Monday night ahead of the weekend’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games at Al Wasl Club, where he played for his club side Mahindra Enforcers.
He has also been mobbed by fans during appearances at Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates and there were similarly frenzied scenes in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.